By Isle of Wight Observer
Thousands flocked to Sandown for the annual Regatta on Sunday, with the organisers hailing the event as one of the town’s biggest for years.
Crowds on a packed seafront enjoyed a day of non-stop family entertainment, including the popular Grand Regatta Hat Parade, on Eastern Beach, and a spectacular fireworks finale in the evening.
Sandown Carnival, organisers of the Regatta since 2022, were delighted with the event’s success. Carnival chairman, Paul Coueslant, said: “It was fantastic to see the town come to life in such a big way. The crowds kept coming all the way up to the fireworks display at 9.15pm.
“We were overwhelmed by so many appreciative comments we had from visitors and residents who clearly enjoyed themselves. Sandown Bay Regatta has been a historic summer landmark for the town since 1857, and this year’s event has been the biggest since we took it over.”
The Regatta fun started on Saturday, with a dog show and a samba drumming workshop at Sandham Gardens. On Sunday, the street market opened with music from Wight Diamonds Band, followed by entertainment in two separate performance areas along the Esplanade.
The Eastern Beach hosted the Hat Parade, the climax to weeks of community creativity at The Regatta Hat Factory on the High Street.
Eastern Beach also saw traditional beach games, like tug-o’-war, sack race and egg and spoon race, alongside a Punch & Judy show, with music provided throughout the day by Soundwaves Entertainment.
The regatta is run entirely by volunteers who depend on donations and sponsorship. Support is always welcomed at iw.observer/donate-sandown-carnival.
